Trinity County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health, has called on pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats are current on rabies vaccinations. This comes after a rise in confirmed rabid animal cases in the north state, including within Trinity County.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop but can be prevented through vaccination. The virus circulates among wild animals such as bats, skunks, and foxes. Unvaccinated pets can transmit the disease to humans. Due to Trinity County’s rural environment, contact between domestic pets and wildlife is more likely, making vaccination an important preventive measure.
The agency recommends that pet owners vaccinate dogs and cats starting at three months old and keep booster shots up to date. Residents are also advised to avoid contact with wild animals—especially those acting unusually tame, aggressive, or disoriented—and not to approach injured or sick animals. Sightings of nocturnal animals active during the day should be reported to the Sheriff’s Department at (530) 623-8127.
Other guidance includes not feeding or attracting wild animals onto property and supervising pets outdoors. In case of bites or scratches from an animal, wounds should be washed immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes followed by prompt medical attention. All incidents should be reported to local animal control authorities via the Sheriff’s Department.
Rabies vaccines for pets are available at several local clinics: Trinity Animal Hospital in Weaverville, Lewiston Animal Clinic in Lewiston, Hyampom Animal Clinic in Hyampom, and Trillium Veterinary Services in Willow Creek.
For humans exposed to a confirmed rabid animal, rabies prophylaxis treatment is available at emergency rooms or through primary care providers.
Trinity County Public Health continues surveillance of rabies activity locally and works with animal control for early detection and public safety efforts. More information about prevention is available from Trinity County Public Health at (530) 623-8209 or on the Rabies Control Program page at https://www.trinitycounty.org/rabies-control-program.
“Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it is also nearly 100% preventable through vaccinations.”
“Rabies circulates naturally among wild animals such as bats, skunks, and foxes, but pets that are not vaccinated can serve as a bridge for the virus to reach humans.”
“Trinity County’s rural setting means that contact between domestic pets and wildlife is more common, making vaccination essential for prevention.”
